'Maine Sea Goddess' forced to give up her crown after social media post surfaces

Less than 24 hours after she was named 2018 Maine Sea Goddess, Taylor Hamlin was forced to give up her crown and step down when a photo on social media from a year ago was forwarded to Maine Lobster Festival organizers.

The festival organizers insisted that Hamlin sign a resignation agreement, according to the Portland Press Herald.

The year-old photo reportedly showed Hamlin holding a joint. A more recent photo also surfaced of the 18-year-old Oceanside High School graduate holding a Juul, an electronic cigarette used for vaping.

Hamlin said that when she received the title on Wednesday night, she was honored to represent her community. However, on Thursday morning, when she went on a tour of the USS Hué City, the future University of Maine freshman was approached by Coronation Director Sharon Lombardo.

Lombardo told Hamlin that she needed to meet with officials, who then informed the young woman that they had issues with her social media posts, which had been forwarded to them by people in the community.

“I’m sorry to whoever didn’t receive the goddess they wanted and felt the need to sabotage this amazing thing that has happened to me,” Hamlin wrote, suggesting that others in the competition at the Maine Lobster Festival may have been acting, er, shellfishly. “You clearly don’t know me well enough or know the real Taylor Hamlin. I am active through out our community, in sports, church, and school.”

The use of small amounts recreational marijuana is legal in Maine and has been since 2017, as long as you grow your own or are gifted some from a friend. However, you do have to be above the age of 21 to use it legally.

In her Facebook post, Hamlin added, “Everybody is a teen once,” and she isn’t wrong. Perhaps these officials should look into their past and be thankful that social media didn’t exist in their heyday. After all, teens are actually drinking, smoking, and using marijuana less than ever before. So, you know, “He that is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone.” Or, stoned in this case.

Hamlin did not immediately respond to Yahoo Lifestyle’s requests for comment.